Buyers ask “how long does tooling really take” and most suppliers answer with a shrug and a vague “about a month.” Here are our actual delivery windows — by mold type, with the peak-season rule spelled out — so you can plan your launch date instead of guessing.
Prototype & Rapid Samples: 3–5 Working Days
Before committing to full tooling, most projects start with a physical sample. We deliver in 3–5 working days across SLA, SLS and CNC-machined aluminum, including surface CMF treatment (color, material, finish). This is the fastest way to validate fit, ergonomics and appearance before steel is ordered.
T1 Trial Lead Times by Mold Type
| Mold Type | Lead Time to T1 | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Simple / single-cavity | 30–35 days | Caps, closures, structural parts in P20 / 738H steel |
| Complex / precision | 40–45 days | Multiple slides, lifters, unscrewing (thread) cores, hot runner systems, hardened H13 / S136 steel |
| Large / high-precision | 45–60 days | Automotive deep air ducts, precision medical parts, high-demand multi-cavity molds |
These windows run from design freeze and deposit to the first trial (T1) samples leaving our press.
Production Molding Lead Time
Once you approve T1 samples, the first small batch (500–2,000 pieces) typically ships in 10–15 working days. Larger volumes are scheduled against order quantity and available machine time — we confirm the exact date when we lock your schedule.
The Peak-Season Rule (Read Before You Quote)
Two windows every year run hot: Q4 (October through pre-Christmas) and the month around Chinese New Year. During these periods mold-making lead times extend +7 to +10 days. Every quotation states a schedule-lock validity date, so the window we quote is the window we hold.
Plan your project around these dates and you will never be caught by a surprise delay.
Lock Your Schedule with a 12-Hour Quote
At D-TOP MOLD we quote within 12 hours and include a firm lead-time window and schedule-lock date in every offer. Send us your 3D files and we will tell you exactly which mold class your part falls into — and the day your T1 samples will be ready.
